Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (patient information): Difference between revisions
Line 32: | Line 32: | ||
==When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?== | ==When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?== | ||
Seek urgent medical care as soon as possible, if you experience either of the following [[symptoms]]: | Seek urgent medical care as soon as possible especially in a [[diabetic]] patient, if you experience either of the following [[symptoms]]: | ||
*[[Vomiting]] or [[nausea]] | *[[Vomiting]] or [[nausea]] | ||
*[[Fatigue]] | *[[Fatigue]] |
Revision as of 13:49, 26 September 2017
Template:Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
What are the Symptoms of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
The following signs and symptoms are indicative of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state especially in an elderly diabetic patient:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive thirst
- Dry skin and mouth
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Confusion, stupor that may progress to coma
What Causes Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
Sugar which is the main source of energy for cells, needs insulin to enter inside the cells. In hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), the patient has a relative insulin deficiency. When the patient lacks enough insulin, sugar will not be able to enter inside the cell. This situation prompts the release of certain hormones that that further increase the sugar in the body. The excess sugar also leads to increase urination which causes dehydration and damage to different body organs such as the kidney. This process may be triggered in the presence of any infection, drugs or illness such as heart attack or long-standing kidneyproblems.
Who is at Highest Risk?
Elderly patients with type 2 diabetes who have decreased access to fluids or any condition that limits fluid intake are at highest risk for the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. This condition has also been seen in type 1 diabetes, children, and young adults, but less common.
Diagnosis
- Patients with a medical history of diabetes, especially diabetes type 2 during an illness such as pneumonia, heart attack, stroke or pregnancy.
- Blood sugar level higher than 300 mg/dl.
- High plasma osmolality levels.
- Changes in the mental status of the patient may be noticeable.
- Blood sugar can be checked by simple finger stick sugar testing.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Seek urgent medical care as soon as possible especially in a diabetic patient, if you experience either of the following symptoms:
Treatment Options
Where to find Medical Care for (Disease name)?
Medical care for (disease name) can be found here.
Prevention
What to Expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible Complications
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm